“You little rascal, why are you causing such a commotion while I am lecturing and clarifying?”

  As Master Bodhi’s somewhat feigned angry voice echoed, Sun Wukong immediately stopped his laughter, kneeling respectfully on the mat, and replied, “This disciple is hearing the teachings for the first time and, upon encountering such wonderful insights, couldn’t help but react…”

  “Oh?”

  Master Bodhi raised an eyebrow with interest and asked, “You have been here for several months. I have not inquired about what you wish to learn. What is it that you seek?”

  Seeing the exchange between Master Bodhi and Sun Wukong unfold like a scripted performance, Xu Fang was taken aback!

  In the original text, Sun Wukong had spent a full seven years at Fangcun Mountain before Master Bodhi decided to provide him with special instruction!

  How could it be that, after only three months, Master Bodhi was already asking what Sun Wukong wanted to learn?

  Could it be that, due to his time-traveling presence, the narrative had changed?

  While Xu Fang was preoccupied with his thoughts, the scene continued as per the original plot.

  Master Bodhi offered to teach the Dao, but the monkey, indecisive about his desires, eventually provoked Master Bodhi’s wrath.

  “You little monkey, if you do not wish to learn this or that, what exactly do you want to learn?”

  With anger visible on Master Bodhi’s face, the other disciples fell silent, and Xu Fang watched coldly as Sun Wukong, unfazed, declared, “I wish to learn the art of immortality and the invincible divine powers!”

  “Here it comes, here it comes…”

  Xu Fang's heart raced with excitement!

  In truth, not only did Sun Wukong want to learn, but Xu Fang also had the same desire!

  Now that he had received a comprehensive boost to his attributes and understood Master Bodhi's teachings, all he lacked were cultivation techniques and combat skills!

  And Master Bodhi’s special lessons for Sun Wukong would cover precisely the cultivation techniques and combat methods he needed!

  Ignoring Xu Fang’s internal desires, Master Bodhi’s expression darkened upon hearing Sun Wukong's request. “You little rascal! You wish to fly to the heavens in one leap? I do not have the techniques you seek!”

  With that, Master Bodhi leaped down from the platform, and the ruler in his hand struck firmly on Sun Wukong’s head!

  Bang! Bang! Bang!

  With three strikes of the ruler, Xu Fang’s gaze sharpened!

  He clearly saw that as Master Bodhi made his move, the surrounding air seemed to freeze at that moment. Sun Wukong instinctively tried to evade the three strikes but found himself unable to escape!

  “Could this be the essence of the master’s Dao?”

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  Xu Fang’s eyes gleamed with enlightenment. Master Bodhi’s cultivation was at the quasi-saint level, and even without using any magical powers, the mere presence of his Dao was something Sun Wukong could not avoid!

  This single action provided Xu Fang with significant insight, deepening his understanding of Master Bodhi’s teachings. He felt the magical power within him begin to stir!

  Whoosh—

  With a muffled sound, Xu Fang successfully broke through to the mid-Earth Immortal realm!

  “Hmm?”

  Xu Fang’s breakthrough was so smooth and quiet that none of the other disciples noticed it.

  However, Master Bodhi had an astute perception and immediately sensed something, looking at Xu Fang with surprise.

  He had come to Fangcun Mountain mainly to establish a connection with the Buddhist sect, and while accepting the monkey as a disciple was a necessity, he hadn’t paid much attention to the other disciples.

  It was evident that none of the other disciples held particularly exceptional talents.

  However, this Xu Fang, the one who understood the Dao, sparked a sense of astonishment in Master Bodhi.

  At first, Xu Fang had shown average potential, but three months ago, he seemed to have suddenly experienced a moment of enlightenment, and his comprehension had skyrocketed!

  Now, he could grasp the essence of a breakthrough simply by observing Master Bodhi’s actions. Such talent was certainly on par, if not superior, to that of the nearby monkey!

  In an instant, Master Bodhi felt a pang of affection for this talented disciple!

  “Perhaps, when teaching that rascal, I should also nurture this Xu Fang? It would be a good karmic connection…”

  Master Bodhi’s thoughts settled, yet he did not voice them directly. Instead, he cast a profound glance at Xu Fang and said, “For now, we will conclude this lecture. This little rascal has become rather arrogant; I will not hold any more lessons for a year. You all shall cultivate on your own.”

  With that, Master Bodhi turned and left.

  The other disciples immediately began to scold Sun Wukong, realizing he had angered the master.

  Only Xu Fang remained, his eyes glimmering with understanding.

  “Did Master Bodhi’s gaze imply that I could join the monkey in learning?”

  Xu Fang contemplated whether he should take the risk of approaching Sun Wukong for a chance to learn alongside him. After all, Master Bodhi was quite generous; even if he misinterpreted the situation, there would be little loss.

  If he guessed correctly, then he would be in for a significant gain!

  ……

  The night was cool as water.

  Moonlight poured down, illuminating the scene as the clock struck the second hour of the night.

  A shadowy figure quietly appeared outside Master Bodhi’s sleeping quarters.

  It was Xu Fang!

  He did not rush inside, as he still needed a brave accomplice!

  Before long, his accomplice arrived—none other than Sun Wukong!

  The monkey stealthily approached Master Bodhi’s room and immediately spotted Xu Fang standing there.

  He recognized Xu Fang, knowing him as the brother named Wu Fa.

  “Wu Fa, why are you here at this late hour?”

  Hearing the monkey's question, Xu Fang chuckled and pointed towards the door of Master Bodhi’s room. “I have also comprehended the hidden meanings in Master’s words and came to seek instruction.”

  Since the monkey had already grasped Master Bodhi’s intention, Xu Fang boldly admitted his own purpose.

  Sure enough, upon hearing this, Sun Wukong's eyes widened in surprise.

  He had thought he would receive private instruction from Master Bodhi, but now this brother Wu Fa had shown up as well.

  However, this didn’t matter much to the monkey—what mattered most was learning the art of immortality!

  The two of them quietly pushed open the door and, as expected, saw Master Bodhi lying on his bed with his back to them, snoring softly.

  Just as Sun Wukong was about to call out to awaken Master Bodhi, Xu Fang swiftly pressed down on his hand and whispered, “Junior Brother, do not disturb Master’s rest. Since we sincerely seek to learn, we should wait a while longer.”

  Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong sheepishly withdrew his hand, obediently staying beside Xu Fang.

  “Ding! Congratulations, host, for triggering the side quest: [Sign-in at Master Bodhi’s Sleeping Quarters]. Quest reward: Celestial Technique Comprehension Body, Strength +100.”

  The system's voice stirred Xu Fang’s heart; this side quest had been activated at the perfect moment!

  It was just in time for Master Bodhi to give private lessons, and he had a sign-in opportunity at the master’s quarters, with the reward being the Celestial Technique Comprehension Body!

  As its name implies, the Celestial Technique Comprehension Body would enhance his ability to grasp celestial techniques!

  Now, with the chance to receive teachings directly from Master Bodhi, this system reward was indeed a timely blessing!